PENS RECALL NOAH WELCH FROM WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled defenseman Noah Welch from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, it was announced today by General Manager Craig Patrick. Welch is being recalled on emergency status for defenseman Eric Cairns.

Welch, 23, leads all Wilkes-Barre/Scranton defensemen in scoring this season and ranks third among team rookies with 26 points (8+18) in 68 games. He ranks sixth on the team with 81 penalty minutes and tied for fourth with a plus-12 rating.

The 6-4 and 215-pound native of Brighton, Massachusetts was drafted by the Penguins in the second round (54th overall) of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. Welch played four seasons at Harvard (ECAC), appearing in 128 career games and recording 75 points (23+52). Welch graduated from Harvard as the school’s all-time leader in penalties (131) and ranks second all-time in penalty minutes (270).